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8 Healthy Aphrodisiac Foods To Get You In The Mood

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February 13, 2017

By Megan O. Steintrager

The idea of a natural aphrodisiac is, well, sexy, which explains why since Ancient Egypt, people have used specific foods and drinks to boost libido. The scientific evidence varies in trustworthiness, but either way these reputed sex-drive enhancing foods are good for your overall health. Here’s a look at eight aphrodisiac foods that might bring more mojo into your life.

 

ALMONDS

Alternative to crisps and chocolate

An age-old aphrodisiac and fertility symbol, almonds are also a go-to healthy snack thanks to their fats, protein, fiber, and immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals. They’re particularly rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s good for heart health and, some say, sexual health. The aroma of almonds is supposed to be particularly arousing, so toast some before adding to salads. Get our recipe for Almond Cacao Energy Balls and more healthy almond snacks.

 

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus spears

Asparagus owes at least some of its libido-boosting reputation to its shape (yes, people are simple creatures), and it’s another good source of vitamin E. Asparagus also provides a dose of vitamin K and potassium, as well as prebiotics, which help probiotics do their good work in your gut. Read more about the health benefits of asparagus and then make your sweetie and yourself Shirred Eggs with Asparagus and Goat Cheese (bonus: eggs also have a reputation for boosting libido).

 

AVOCADO

Female hand holding sliced avocado

With more than 5,000,000 #avocado posts on Instagram, it’s clear that nobody needs much convincing to eat these trendy, fatty fruits. But just in case you do: Avocado is a super source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and some say it helps put you in the mood thanks, in part, to its sexy shape. Get your avocado on in Avocado Boats or Carrot-Avocado Guacamole (carrots are also believed to be aphrodisiacs).

 

CHILI PEPPERS

Closeup of a woman holding a red chilli to her mouth

These peppers just might make you hot in more ways than one. Chilies are anti-inflammatory, and capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy, may also fight pain and boost heart health, among other benefits. Making dinner for a loved one? Try a starter of shishito peppers — a great just-hot-enough finger food. Or cozy up with a cup of spicy hot chocolate spiked with cayenne pepper.

 

DARK CHOCOLATE

Eating chocolate

It’s a time-honored food for beloveds, and chocolate (the darker the better) has been linked to a host of health benefits, including improved heart health. Chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins and contains serotonin, so it may improve your mood (and get you in the mood). Double down with chocolate and almonds together in this chocolate almond butter smoothie, or give your sweetheart one of these chocolates infused with superfoods.

 

FIGS

Dried figs

Here’s another traditional aphrodisiac food that owes its sexiness at least in part to its shape, as well as its luscious texture. Figs are a good source of fiber and potassium, both of which are essential for overall health. They seem special enough to serve as a stand-alone dessert, but if you want to dress them up, try dipping them in melted dark chocolate or using dried figs in salads, soups, and with roasted meats.

 

POMEGRANATES

Cut pomegranate on the cutting board.

This fruit is so sexy, it’s even the symbol of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. In recent years, it’s gotten more attention for its health benefits: Pomegranates have been linked to improved heart, brain, breast, and prostate health, and there’s even some evidence linking pomegranates to improved sexual health for men and women. In other words, it’s well worth the effort of opening up a pomegranate fruit to get at those tasty little seeds. Eat them straight, add them to salads, muddle them in a glass in a pomegranate-kombucha cocktail or just pour yourself a wine glass full of the juice.

 

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Bowl of pumpkin seeds

These little seeds pack plenty of libido-boosting zinc, which also aids immunity. Pumpkin seeds (AKA pepitas) are also a great source of healthy fats, heart-healthy magnesium, and fiber. Snack on them, sprinkle them on vegetable sides or try them scattered over pumpkin sage soup.

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